DIGESTION: HOW IT WORKS & HOW TO OPTIMIZE IT

(Thread)

Proper digestion is vital for nutrient absorption, energy production, waste release and much more

The problem is, due to lifestyle, modern environment and lack of knowledge, poor digestion is very common

In this thread I’ll take a look at how it works and how you can improve it
Digestion is the process both mechanically and chemically breaking down food so it can be absorbed in the bloodstream.

It begins when the food enters your mouth and you begin to chew.
Your teeth start to grind down food and your saliva begins to digest starches & bind chewed food into a slippery bolus that easily slides through your esophagus.

No digestion actually occurs in the esophagus, but it will then enter the stomach for more breakdown.
Glands in the stomach lining make stomach acid and enzymes, and the muscles of your stomach mix the food with these digestive juices.

Your small intestine makes digestive juice and mixes with juices produced in the liver and pancreas to complete the breakdown of food.
Bacteria in your large intestine then break down the remaining nutrients, synthesize vitamin K, and turn any waste products into stool.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into digesting your food and turning it into nutrients that can be absorbed. If one part of the process is off, you will not be getting the most out of your food.
Your digestive system also plays a vital role in protecting your body from harmful substances.

“Leaky gut” is becoming extremely common, which is when gaps in the intestinal walls allow bacteria and toxins to be released into the blood stream. This causes chronic inflammation.
The good news is there are many things that can be done to improve your digestion, and thus improve your nutrient absorption and overall health. Here they are:
1. Eat real food.

It sounds obvious, but the more processed foods and additives you consume, the harder it will be for your body to digest them. Many of these foods will cause gut inflammation and increase chance of leaky gut.

Read more about what causes gut inflammation here: https://t.co/azKVOIltCK
2. Manage stress.

When you are stressed, your body doesn’t think you have time to rest or digest. Blood and energy are diverted away from your stomach during times of stress, negatively impacting your digestion.

Read more about the gut and brain connection here: https://t.co/dInXjb4YlZ
Things like meditation & breath work, exercise, magnesium and theanine can all help during times of stress.
3. Probiotics

These beneficial bacteria help by breaking down indigestible fibers than can irritate the gut. Kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi are all great sources. Fermented foods also contain enzymes that help you break down food.
4. Bone broth & glutamine

The collagen and gelatin in bone broth as well glutamine supplementation can help repair the intestinal wall and therefore reducing risk of leaky gut.

Read more about bone broth here: https://t.co/tcmuoHsA2y
5. Chew your food WELL and eat mindfully

I put these 2 together because they usually go hand in hand. In today’s modern environment, most people are scarfing down food quickly while scrolling through their phones or doing work on the computer.
The more you chew your food, the less work your stomach has to do and the easier it will be to break down the food.

Eating mindfully means taking your time, turning off the screens, and actually consciously eating, which is rare these days.
6. Stay hydrated but avoid drinking tons of water with food

Being hydrated with proper water & mineral intake is vital to make sure everything is flowing smoothly. Dehydration is a huge factor of constipation.
However, if you are chugging water with a meal, this can dilute stomach acid and digestive enzymes, making it harder to digest your food. https://t.co/ujM6Ne0LP6
7. Fix your posture!

Poor posture can compress your organs, including the GI tract, resulting in poor digestion. Slouching can actually push stomach acid in the wrong direction, causing acid reflux.

For more on this, follow @JulianaLung and @BodyOptic https://t.co/tr1mi3wymn
8. Supplementing with digestive enzymes

If you are struggling with digestion, supplementing with digestive enzymes can help break down the carbs, proteins and fats. Papaya enzymes are a good, natural source.
There are many other things that contribute to good digestion including fiber intake, sunlight, exercise, apple cider vinegar, limiting alcohol and drug intake, eating healthy fats, and more!
Even if you are eating nutritious foods, you won’t be getting the most out them if you’re digestion is impaired. Make sure to focus on optimizing your digestion!
PS,

If you need a completely custom plan to optimize digestion, resolve gut issues, and restore your energy levels, my meal plans are for you!

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शमशान में जब महर्षि दधीचि के मांसपिंड का दाह संस्कार हो रहा था तो उनकी पत्नी अपने पति का वियोग सहन नहीं कर पायी और पास में ही स्थित विशाल पीपल वृक्ष के कोटर में अपने तीन वर्ष के बालक को रख के स्वयं चिता पे बैठ कर सती हो गयी ।इस प्रकार ऋषी दधीचि और उनकी पत्नी की मुक्ति हो गयी।


परन्तु पीपल के कोटर में रखा बालक भूख प्यास से तड़पने लगा। जब कुछ नहीं मिला तो वो कोटर में पड़े पीपल के गोदों (फल) को खाकर बड़ा होने लगा। कालान्तर में पीपल के फलों और पत्तों को खाकर बालक का जीवन किसी प्रकार सुरक्षित रहा।

एक दिन देवर्षि नारद वहां से गुजर रहे थे ।नारद ने पीपल के कोटर में बालक को देख कर उसका परिचय मांगा -
नारद बोले - बालक तुम कौन हो?
बालक - यही तो मैं भी जानना चहता हूँ ।
नारद - तुम्हारे जनक कौन हैं?
बालक - यही तो मैं भी जानना चाहता हूँ ।

तब नारद ने आँखें बन्द कर ध्यान लगाया ।


तत्पश्चात आश्चर्यचकित हो कर बालक को बताया कि 'हे बालक! तुम महान दानी महर्षि दधीचि के पुत्र हो । तुम्हारे पिता की अस्थियों का वज्रास्त्र बनाकर ही देवताओं ने असुरों पर विजय पायी थी।तुम्हारे पिता की मृत्यु मात्र 31 वर्ष की वय में ही हो गयी थी'।

बालक - मेरे पिता की अकाल मृत्यु का क्या कारण था?
नारद - तुम्हारे पिता पर शनिदेव की महादशा थी।
बालक - मेरे उपर आयी विपत्ति का कारण क्या था?
नारद - शनिदेव की महादशा।
इतना बताकर देवर्षि नारद ने पीपल के पत्तों और गोदों को खाकर बड़े हुए उस बालक का नाम पिप्पलाद रखा और उसे दीक्षित किया।